William 15

Title: A Tarnished Reputation

“This is the result of my own research. It could also be made into a ring or something similar.”

“Are you serious?”

Mayumi clearly couldn’t believe her ears. She initially thought this was the latest product from the Kudou family. Naturally, everyone else in the room had a similar reaction.

Though she hadn’t heard of the Kudou family researching CADs before, she assumed it was a new direction in their research!

But Kousen said it was his own creation—truly astonishing, almost superhuman!

“Then why haven’t you published it?”

Suzune asked, puzzled. If it were published, it would surely cause a stir, and the boy in front of her would become famous, yet she hadn’t heard of any recent publications like this.

“Exactly! Exactly!” Azusa nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at rice.

“I’ve said it before—this CAD research isn’t fully complete yet. It can only store a very small amount of magic, so for now, it’s just a decoration, completely useless.”

“Oh, right!” Mayumi recalled Kousen’s earlier words.

After all, magicians are weapons, and CADs are their tools. If a tool can’t demonstrate its power, it’s meaningless.

“But this is already amazing! After all, Kudou is the first to shrink a CAD this small while keeping it functional!”

Azusa still looked at Kousen with admiration. She was a senior, but so far, she could only program CADs.

Meanwhile, Kousen, who had just entered Magic High School, was close to solving the second of the four major CAD problems.

“I know, and this issue is almost resolved. Once it’s solved, I’ll send trial product samples to the seniors. Please give your feedback then.”

“So, that pistol was also made by you? It doesn’t seem like a type sold on the market either.”

Mari pointed to the pistol-shaped CAD Kousen had placed on the table earlier.

“Yes, this CAD will be released alongside the earring-shaped CAD. When it’s launched, please support it!”

Kousen took back his CAD from Azusa, put it back in his ear, paused briefly, and continued.

“Of course, the launch ceremony will invite all of you.”

“Launch ceremony? Kousen-kun, you’re not planning to release it through Kudou Technology?” Mayumi asked.

“Mm, the trademark is in the process of being registered.”

“Oh, and please come too, Hattori-senpai.”

Kousen didn’t forget Hanzou, who was standing by the window.

After all, their disagreement was just a difference in ideology, not a deep grudge. Besides, they were in the same school and would see each other often, so there was no need to make things too tense.

Hanzou didn’t say anything, only letting out a cold grunt, but from the side, the slight upward curve of his lips showed he was somewhat pleased.

“By the way, Miyuki-san and Tatsuya-kun haven’t arrived yet. It’s been a while since school ended.”

Mayumi glanced at the clock on the computer, frowning as she spoke.

“Yo! Speak of the devil.”

Mari crossed her arms, looking at the siblings who had just pushed open the door.

Before the siblings could greet anyone, Hanzou strode toward them.

Throughout, he didn’t even glance at Tatsuya, as if he didn’t exist in the Student Council room. He stopped in front of Miyuki.

“I’m the Vice President of the Student Council, though I’ll be stepping down after today.”

“Still, I want to welcome you to the Student Council, Shiba Miyuki.”

Hanzou reverted to the friendly, gentle demeanor he showed when he first met Kousen.

Miyuki’s face showed a hint of anger when facing Hanzou, but due to her good upbringing, she couldn’t ignore someone addressing her. She could only nod reluctantly, indicating she heard him.

After greeting Miyuki, Hanzou didn’t care about her attitude toward him.

He stepped back two paces, standing beside Tatsuya, as if just noticing his presence.

But Hanzou had no intention of looking at Tatsuya. He averted his gaze elsewhere and said, “Shiba Tatsuya, remember this well: I absolutely don’t agree with you joining the Disciplinary Committee.”

“A Second Course student like you should stay where you belong.”

After saying that, Hanzou left.

He knew that staying in the Student Council room would only make the atmosphere tenser, so it was better to head straight to the simulation room and wait.

Besides, after calming down and thinking, it was impossible for Kousen to throw the match just because he knew Tatsuya.

People from the Ten Master Clans couldn’t lose to non-clan peers, so there was no chance Kousen would hold back.

Lose? That was even more impossible. How could a Second Course student hold their own against the next heir of the Kudou family?

The fight might end in an instant! By then, Kousen would also realize that Second Course students were a bunch of trash, not worth pinning hopes on.

“Tatsuya-kun, how’s your preparation?” Kousen asked, leaning on the table with one hand.

“Mm, no problem.” Tatsuya lifted the case in his hand.

“We were a bit late because I accompanied Onii-sama to pick up his CAD.” Miyuki explained with a slight bow, addressing their tardiness.

“Tatsuya-kun, you saw Vice President Hattori’s attitude just now.”

“There’s nothing I can do but use my usual abilities. You’ll have to put in some effort too, or if you can’t even last three minutes…”

“Then the seniors who recommended you will have their reputations tarnished.” Kousen said heavily.

Tatsuya didn’t speak, only nodding slightly.

For him, everything had already happened. Hiding his abilities too much was pointless. As for Kousen’s remark about lasting three minutes against him…

For Tatsuya, that wasn’t necessary at all. Though he acknowledged Kousen as a strong opponent, with his replication ability, there was no chance of losing.

“Alright then.”

Kousen turned to Mayumi.

“Let’s go! Juumonji-senpai should be arriving soon.”